Coconut crisis in Koh Samui

Talks are underway to discuss the decline in coconut production in Koh Samui. The decline is largely due to the coconut rhinoceros beetle and the black worm. The agricultural department of Surat Thani is looking at ways to eradicate the pests and create a conservation project to replace the coconut crops on the island. They are also planning an awareness campaign to ensure the younger generation realizes the importance of coconut crops on the island. The weevil larvae has infected 5,459 acres of coconuts, black worms, about 1,183 acres and the rhinoceros beetle around 907 acres. The agricultural department plan to plant 16,000 new coconut trees on the island in the coming months to boost production.